The 2026 all‑area baseball team selected by the Cheboygan Daily Tribune celebrates the region’s most dominant high school players, honoring those who combined statistical excellence with leadership on and off the diamond.
At the center of the accolades stands Ty Kolly, a senior from Inland Lakes, who was crowned the Daily Tribune’s player of the year after a season that saw him bat .436 with 41 hits, 25 RBIs, 40 runs scored and 23 walks.
Kolly’s all‑around production helped Inland Lakes secure a conference title and earn multiple all‑state nods, positioning him as the clear standout among a field of talented seniors.
Pitching Powerhouses
On the mound, Cash DePauw from Inland Lakes posted a 7‑1 record with a 2.283 ERA and 80 strikeouts, while Braylon Currie of Mackinaw City matched that feat with an 8‑3 record and the same 80 strikeouts, cementing their status as the area’s most reliable arms.
Junior Gus Carper continued to impress at the plate, batting .427 with 23 RBIs and 37 runs scored, while James Layman contributed a .366 average, 20 RBIs and 29 runs for the same team.
Other notable hitters included Brett Bonter of Pellston (.283, 12 RBIs, 27 runs), Wyatt Hanel of Inland Lakes (.403, 20 RBIs, 25 runs) and Nolan Schley of Cheboygan (.292, 12 RBIs, 18 runs), each adding depth to their squads.
The roster also featured standout performances from Brody George of Onaway (.432, 23 RBIs, 32 runs) and Josh Ferraiuolo of NMCA, who posted a staggering .660 average with 20 RBIs and 36 runs, underscoring the breadth of talent across the region.
Pitching depth extended to Collin Maves of Inland Lakes, who logged a 2.692 ERA with 57 strikeouts in 39 innings, and Jeremiah Tucker of NMCA, who hit .491 with 21 RBIs and 20 runs, while Tyler Hingston of Mackinaw City became the all‑time leader in runs scored.
Additional contributors such as Knox Wilson, Zach Schmoldt, Ben Strittmatter, Andre Bradford, Kyle Valot, Casey Kindt and Eli LaLonde rounded out a competitive field, each earning recognition for their offensive or defensive impacts.
Looking Ahead
With a blend of seasoned seniors and emerging juniors, the 2026 all‑area team reflects a vibrant baseball culture in Cheboygan and its surrounding communities. As these players move toward college and beyond, the region expects continued success on the national stage.